Apple rolls out updates to its iOS and macOS quite frequently. Many of them contain improvements like Find My AirPods, Weather Reports within Maps and Wi-Fi Calling for Verizon customers.
I actually have friends who refuse to update their iOS when it is first made available. They are afraid the update will cause glitches in their device and wait a while before installing to make sure it’s not a problem for others. But are they putting their security at risk by waiting to update? The quick answer is yes.
Why you should update your OS immediately
Operating system updates don’t just introduce helpful new features like Find My AirPods. They also come with critical security patches that fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
Apple this week updated its macOS to Sierra 10.12.4 and iOS to 10.3. The updates included 23 fixes dealing with arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges. The kernel is a core component of the operating system that acts as a bridge between applications and data processing executed at the hardware level. Trust me, it’s important.
One flaw that was fixed this week deals with the Safari browser and how it handles JavaScript pop-ups. Cybercriminals were able to use pop-up tabs to lock users out of the browser. Victims were then required to pay a ransom in order to restore Mobile Safari functions.
That vulnerability is no longer available to the scammer after updating the OS. It’s situations like this that makes updating your OS as soon as possible.
How to update your Apple gadgets
iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch:
iOS 10.3 is considered a major update and is quite large (about 650MB), so make sure you have enough space.
The update is available for:
- iPhone 5 models and newer
- Fourth-generation iPads and newer
- Sixth-generation iPod Touches and newer
Here’s how you update these iOS gadgets:
Go into your “Settings” app and select “General.” From there, select “Software Update” and your device will begin to check for updates. Then select “Download and Install.”
To get the update from iTunes, connect your device to a computer, open iTunes, and select your device from the menu in your iTunes Library. Select “Summary” and then click on “Check for Update.” Finally, select “Download and Update” and wait for the update to sync to your device.
macOS gadgets
- Open the App Store app
- Click Updates in the toolbar
- Tap the Update button next to the macOS update to download and install
- Your gadget will restart when it is finished updating
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